NEWS & BLOG

Carrier Blank Sailings Drive Freight Rate Hikes!

Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-18 Origin: Site

Recently, the latest Shanghai Export Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) released by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange stood at 1,398.11 points, a 3.2% decrease from the previous period.

The China export container shipping market remained generally stable. Although freight rates on the U.S. routes rose, rates on most other routes declined, dragging down the composite index.

North American Routes: Carrier Blank Sailings Lift Rates

Carriers have pushed up market freight rates to some extent by reducing capacity supply.

Recently, carriers have suspended multiple China-U.S. West Coast sailings: the Premier Alliance (PA) suspended the PS5 route service from eastern mainland China to the U.S. West Coast in late September; the Gemini Cooperation also plans to suspend the T9/WC6 services.

On September 12, the market freight rates (including sea freight and maritime surcharges) for shipments from Shanghai Port to basic ports on the U.S. West Coast and U.S. East Coast were USD 2,370/FEU and USD 3,307/FEU respectively, up 8.3% and 7.6% from the previous period.

Other Routes: Most See Declines

Europe Routes: On September 12, the freight rate (including sea freight and surcharges) from Shanghai Port to basic European ports was USD 1,154/TEU, a 12.2% drop from the prior period.
Mediterranean Routes: In line with Europe routes, rates continued to fall. On September 12, the rate (including sea freight and surcharges) from Shanghai Port to basic Mediterranean ports was USD 1,738/TEU, down 11.8% from the previous period.
Persian Gulf Routes: Demand growth remained weak, and rates kept declining. On September 12, the market rate (including sea freight and surcharges) from Shanghai Port to basic Persian Gulf ports was USD 1,273/TEU, a 16.2% decrease from the prior period.
Australia-New Zealand Routes: After a period of continuous increases, rates adjusted downward recently. On September 12, the market rate (including sea freight and surcharges) from Shanghai Port to basic Australia-New Zealand ports was USD 1,259/TEU, down 4.1% from the previous period.
South American Routes: Insufficient market demand led to further rate declines. On September 12, the market rate (including sea freight and surcharges) from Shanghai Port to basic South American ports was USD 3,018/TEU, a 5.7% drop from the prior period.
Japan Routes: The shipping market remained generally stable with a slight rate increase. On September 12, the freight index for China-to-Japan routes stood at 964.10 points.

Advisory for Freight Forwarders & Shippers

Given the recent container collapse accident at U.S. West Coast ports, freight forwarders and shippers are advised to:

Check the latest sailing schedules and freight rate information before arranging shipments;
Make advance arrangements for cargo transportation such as North American trucking to avoid disruptions.

SCFI index September U.S. West Coast freight rate increase 8.3% Shanghai Port export freight rates